Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 8, 2024

 

The Theoretical Construction and Diplomatic Practice of the New Li-Based Order

(Abstract)

 

Peng Bo and Xue Li

 

From a civilizational perspective, the traditional Chinese Li-based order and the Western Christian world order up to the modern era exhibit paradigmatic differences. The former is characterized by voluntariness and heterogeneous compatibility as its basic characteristics and value pursuit, while the latter is marked by coerciveness and homogeneous exclusivity. The traditional Chinese Li-based order is distinguished by its compatibility, hierarchical differentiation, and relationality. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, China’s diplomatic concepts and practices have endowed these characteristics with contemporary significance, gradually establishing a new Li-based order that integrates the core characteristics of the traditional Li-based order with the core elements of the contemporary international order. This new Li-based order is developed within the broader framework of the contemporary international order and is thus an integral part of it. Unlike the closedness and exclusivity of the Western order, the new Li-based order emphasizes inclusiveness and openness. Research and analysis of this new Li-based order offers a new explanatory path for examining and demonstrating China’s view of international order, foreign policy, and the relationship model between China and the contemporary international order.